Black and blue: Brooks ends rumors of alternative jerseys

The players and fans can plead and beg all they want, but Kentucky will not be wearing black jerseys for Saturday's "blackout game" against Mississippi State.

Head coach Rich Brooks put an end to the jersey rumors on Tuesday, telling reporters that UK does not have black jerseys.

"We don't have black jerseys, folks, OK?" Brooks said. "The marketing department had came up with a brilliant idea and I hope our fans will follow through on it, but we do not have black jerseys. You have to order them well in advance. We are wearing our regular uniforms."

Traditionally, UK wears all blue for its home games.

Asked if he was surprised about all the reaction and support for black jerseys, Brooks paused, smiled and quickly turned his attention to Mississippi State.

"I'm worried about Mississippi State, believe it or not," Brooks said. "That is the most important thing. We're playing a very, very important football game and we better worry about them coming in here and trying to knock us out in our own stadium."

Injury update: Senior linebacker Micah Johnson did not practice Tuesday and will not try to practice until Thursday. Sophomore safety Matt Lentz did not practice with an ankle injury and senior offensive tackle Justin Jeffries was sent home with the flu.